Premature twins die in hospital despite airlift

Prematurely born twins who were airlifted from the flood zone with their mother have died in hospital, police said yesterday. The woman's family called for help after she went into labour at her home in the centre of Tewkesbury at the height of the floods on Saturday.

Two Sea King helicopters were scrambled, one carrying an experienced paramedic, but by the time they arrived the woman had already given birth to the babies, born 19 weeks premature.

The twins were winched into one helicopter, while the mother was lifted to safety in another and all three were flown to Cheltenham hospital at about 5am on Saturday. The babies were given immediate medical treatment, but died at the hospital.

Flight Lieutenant Douglas Larkam, of B Flight 22 Squadron based at Wattisham, Suffolk, said the alarm was raised in the early hours of Saturday morning when the woman went into labour. "As I understand it, she had given birth moments before we arrived," he said.

"RAF search and rescue were called and a helicopter carrying a highly experienced paramedic was immediately diverted to the scene. "The mother and babies were taken to Cheltenham general hospital, faster than an ambulance would have been able to in normal circumstances, and everything possible was done to help them. Sadly, the babies did not survive." The statement added: "This is a tragic situation and our thoughts are with the family." The family asked to be left alone at "this difficult time".

News of the deaths came as police said they had launched a search for a teenager who has been missing in Tewkesbury since early Saturday. Mitchell Taylor's mother, Jane, 44, said his disappearance was completely out of character.

She said: "He didn't go to work at the Plough in Tewkesbury on Saturday, where he is a part-time barman. He was due to be there at 7.30pm but didn't turn up. He won't normally miss a shift at work. It's not like him to be gone from home so long."

Mr Taylor, 19, who had just finished studying for a national diploma in performing arts in Cheltenham this summer, went out with a group of friends including his brother Ross, 23, but they became separated after visiting a number of pubs in the town centre. He was last seen heading to a nightclub at 1.30am on Saturday.

Gloucestershire police spokesman, Matt Ford, said police were investigating all possibilities. Mr Ford said: "There are a lot of resources in Tewkesbury at the moment and our officers are aware that he has not been seen."